It’s not how far you fall that matters—it’s how high you bounce back. That’s a saying Denis Hertrampf takes to heart. After the ups and downs of last season, the Lower Saxony native wants to compete for the IDM Superbike title again with his Hertrampf MO Yamaha Racing Team. His riders are Vladimir Leonov and Daniel Kartheininger. And at the thriving—though as yet little-publicized—Hertrampf Youth Academy, there are already more potential teammates lined up for the future.
The past IDM season was not for the faint of heart. After Vladimir Leonov made history the previous year by finishing fourth overall in the Superbike class, the goal for 2022 was a top-three finish. But the plan ended in disaster. At the start, Leonov faced numerous issues with his Russian license, which did not qualify him to race. At the second event, however, the 35-year-old from Donetsk shone with two podium finishes. When Vladimir Leonov broke his hand in a crash at the Schleizer Dreieck, his season came to a premature end.
Daniel Kartheininger has once again secured his spot as a regular rider in the IDM Superbike series. He celebrated his best result of 2022 right at the season opener at the Lausitzring with a seventh-place finish in the first race. Daniel Kartheininger has just celebrated his 30th birthday. Thanks to his long-standing connection to the team, he’s as much a part of it as fire is to a flame.
Denis Hertrampf has signed riders Nico Maier and Max Melzer to compete in the Pro Superstock Cup. Both have also been accepted into the Hertrampf Motorsport Academy. The team’s in-house talent development program recently propelled Max Schmidt into the top ten of the IDM Superbike series over a five-year period. However, the young rider from Wuppertal is now pursuing new opportunities. “The collaboration with Max and his family was always based on a strong sense of trust, and close friendships developed,” says Denis Hertrampf with a touch of wistfulness, “but the move to another team is now the next logical step, which I fully support.”
The academy has already polished quite a few rough diamonds. Three years ago, Chris Stange became one of the juniors to make the leap to the Supersport World Championship. Another example is Maximilian Weihe, who moved up to the Superbike class after winning the Superstock 1000 Cup. “Our youth development program works,” says Denis Hertrampf, “but the project hasn’t been communicated to the outside world. Since the success is clearly demonstrable, we’ll change that in 2023. The Supersport and Superstock classes are ideal for training.”
What can riders expect at the Hertrampf Motorsport Academy? “With Max Neukirchner, we have one of the most successful German Superbike riders of all time on board as a riding coach and mentor. From preparation—including nutrition and training plans—to lap analysis, he’s there to offer advice and support,” says Denis Hertrampf. “Riders like Dominic Schmitter, Gareth Jones, Kevin Wahr, and Vittorio Iannuzzo, who competed for us in the Superbike class, have always served as mentors for our young talent. This tradition will continue in the future.” With comprehensive, 360-degree support—including a physical therapist and catering—the goal is to provide riders with a professional environment where they can develop to their full potential.